Consuming tofu, the soy curd, may help cut levels of lead in human blood. According to a new survey carried out at the Harvard School of Public Health in Boston, Massachusetts, which studied over 1000 Chinese people, blood levels of lead were found to be lowest in people who ate the most tofu.

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Researchers are unclear how tofu works to reduce lead levels, but suspect that the high levels of calcium in tofu may impede the absorption and retention of lead. The implications of the research are significant. If further tests and research backs up these findings, this could lead to eventual health claims on tofu.


For further information see the American Journal of Epidemiology 2001;153:1206-1212.

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